Snap Fitness Blog

If you think watermelon is just crunchy, sweet water, you are in for a treat! Next time you are at the grocery store or farmer's market, pick up one of these beauties and enjoy the many health benefits it may bring you.

1. Watermelon is Packed with Antioxidants

You know that tomato juice is good for you, but maybe you don’t like the taste. The good news is that watermelon offers comparable benefits of tomato juice. Watermelon is rich in Lycopene, a potent carotenoid that is found to protect against heart disease, strokes, and certain cancers. Only one cup of watermelon is the same as eating two medium-sized tomatoes!

2. The Rind Contains Many Health Benefits

Don’t throw away the rind anymore! Instead, toss a whole piece (including the rind!) into a blender with some lime for a tasty, yet healthy treat. The rind contains amino acid citrulline (About 250 mg per cup), which is important for heart health and maintaining your immune system. Your body will also thank you for the Vitamin A, B C, and B6 the watermelon provides!

3. … And in the Seeds!

While many people have spitting contests with their watermelon seeds or avoid the seeded watermelon all together, the black seeds are actually a healthy and edible component of the melon. One cup of dried seeds contains 30.6g of protein (61% of daily value), 3.8 mg of niacin (19% of daily value), and 556mg of magnesium (139% of daily value).

4. Watermelon Can Alleviate Sore Muscles

Although muscle soreness is evidence of a productive workout, the pain can be uncomfortable and irritating. The l-citrulline found in watermelon is an amino acid that helps to relieve muscle soreness. If you have a juicer, try juicing a third of a fresh watermelon to drink right before you workout.

5. It Keeps You Hydrated

We know this one probably isn’t exactly ‘news’ to you, but it’s a good reminder to hear mid-summer. Having more than 91% water, watermelon is a tasty way to avoid dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of fresh water as well!

Nothing spruces up a recipe better than the flavor of pumpkin. Did you know that pumpkin puree is low in calories and fat, not to mention it also contains vitamins and antioxidants? You will be in heaven with this recipe for Gluten Free Pumpkin Pancakes. They are full of great flavor, and super moist. Top these cakes with your favorite hot maple syrup, pecans, or a dollop of butter.

Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup all-purpose gluten-free baking flour

1 cup almond milk

1 egg

¾ cup pureed pumpkin

¼ cup buckwheat flour

2 Tbsp butter, melted

1 Tbsp sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1 tsp nutmeg

1 tsp vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix together the egg, sugar and vanilla until foamy. Add melted butter and pureed pumpkin and combine well.

4. Heat a frying pan and use a 1/3 measuring cup to pour the batter on the heated frying pan. Once the top of the pancake starts to bubble, flip the pancake and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully.